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Father's sorrow at needless death of cabbie son

The father of a Perth taxi driver killed in a crash, caused by a man fleeing from police in a stolen car, has told 6PR Radio of his struggle to come to terms with his son's death.

Bhupinda Singh, speaking through an interpreter, told 6PR this morning of the devastating impact the death of Kuldeep Singh on his family back in India, and his young wife Harpreet and their newborn child.

Mr Singh's hands were trembling throughout the radio interview, and he struggled to speak.

Kuldeep Singh, 28, died when his taxi was hit by an alleged stolen car in the early hours of October 19. His passenger, 36-year-old British physicist Sean Barrett also died at the scene, within an hour of arriving in Australia.

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Five days ago, Mr Singh's widow Harpreet welcomed the couple's first child – a girl – and with Bhupinda Singh due to return to his native India this week, will be facing an extremely difficult battle ahead on her own in Perth.

Mr Bhupinda Singh said today his daughter, his daughter-in-law Harpreet and his new granddaughter was all he had left after his son's death – and he was concerned about his daughter-in-law being alone in Perth.

Mr Singh struggled to speak this morning, his voice was shaking and his interpreter expressed his deep sorrow on his behalf.

He said his son came to Australia six years ago for a brighter future, a better education and to provide for his family in India.

Now, without this assistance, Mr Singh said it would be an ongoing struggle for the family in India, and his widow Harpreet Singh and new daughter.

Mr Singh's elderly father had a fall upon hearing that Kuldeep had died, and the family now faced the additional stress of caring for his injury.

Former Ethnic Communities Council president Suresh Rajan told 6PR today that the Seekh and Indian communities of Perth had thrown their support behind Mrs Singh, while the Perth taxi community raised more than $25,000 for the family.

The Department of Immigration also fast-tracked Mrs Singh's permanent residency visa, allowing her to access Medicare support for the birth of her daughter last week, and providing her with the security of knowing she could remain in Australia.

Mr Singh's interpreter said he was so heartbroken at his son's death, he was unable to see him at the hospital, that it was "too unbearable" for him.

Mr Rajan said the Singh family had been overwhelmed at the generosity of West Australians, including both the state government and opposition, delivering a touching message at the funeral on October 26.

Mr Rajan said it was of major concern that the Indian Consulate had contacted the family just once since Mr Singh's death, and there had been no contact whatsoever from the Office of Multicultural Interests.

Mr Singh was due to return to India within days; Mrs Singh will remain in Australia for the foreseeable future, abiding by the wishes of her husband that she make WA her home.

A 23-year-old man is facing two counts over manslaughter over the deaths.